Outdoor essentials to keep in your bag all summer long

A A few months ago, you were sitting comfortably in your living room with both hands wrapped around a steaming mug of coffee and daydreaming about a heat wave. Do you remember that?

Flash forward to now, and yes – you’ve enjoyed the open-sandal season, perhaps lounging on the beach, or even skipped a bucket list hike – and also suffered a host of less-than-desirable side effects: mosquito bites, excessive humidity, sunburn and more mosquito bites.

But these common challenges don’t have to limit you to the air conditioning: with the right outdoor supplies, you can safely get outside and enjoy the season. One thing you can immediately cross off your worry list? A little itching from mosquito bites. OUT!^® insect repellents are designed to help you protect yourself before the first bite from pesky insects, so you can spend all your time outside without stressing or swatting.

If you have been patiently waiting all year for predictions that will allow you to break hibernation, you deserve to really enjoy the fresh air. From SPF to OFF!^® Insect repellents, these are the items you can’t live without and will allow you to enjoy the rest of the season outdoors while protecting yourself from the elements. Those summer side effects are of no use to you.

1. Insect repellent

One version of a horror movie: You’re sitting in the backyard with friends – music playing, snacks flowing, a canopy of trees overhead. Than bamthe sting of a mosquito bite. It’s a common buzzkill in the summer monthswhen mosquitoes look for signals such as body heat, perspiration and skin odor to find their potential host.

It is essential to have insect repellent on hand. Whether your summer schedule includes lots of solo hikes, days at the lake with your family, or naps in a hammock, OFF!^® Insect repellents are formulated with several active ingredients to protect you from mosquitoes, ticks and other types of biting insects.

DEETthe active ingredient in insect repellents such as OFF!^® Deep forests^® and OUT!^® FamilyCare works by confusing and disrupting mosquitoes’ receptors before they even land on your skin. DEET has been studied by the CDC and EPA and proven to be an effective mosquito repellent for adults and children when used as directed.*

DEET provides strong protection against insects during hikes or trips into deep woods, but if you’re looking for an alternative that can keep you protected for everyday activities like running, walking the dog or enjoying a summer barbecue, OUT!^® has you covered. Picaridin is the active ingredient in OFF!^® Clean Feel, a fragrance-free repellent that is non-irritating and feels wonderful on your skin.

2. Sunscreen

Backwash: Before applying insect repellent, you’ll want to start your protection routine with SPF. No matter how cooped up you felt in the run-up to summer, no amount of direct sunlight is good for your skin. Consider this permission (er, a strong suggestion) to upgrade your SPF tray with a few new goodies.

3. Lightweight, protective clothing

Sunscreens and insect repellents work hard to protect your skin from damage and discomfort, but to create an extra skin barrier, don’t leave the house without some extra protection. Mosquitoes seem to be more attracted to dark-colored clothing, so try to wear lighter colors when going outside.

4. Water bottle

With sweat levels at an all-time high, dehydration is common in the summer – and can lead to a variety of very serious conditions. not nice symptoms. Instead of relying on periodic public fountains or buying single-use plastic bottles every time you’re out, keep a reusable container in your bag 24/7.

5. Electrolyte packs

For an extra hydration boost (and a hit of flavor if plain water doesn’t cut it), throw a handful of powdered electrolyte packets in your bag. Experts say that electrolytes not only help you properly absorb the fluids you ingest, but can also help boost your energy levels throughout the day.

6. Vitamin C

Whether you reap the benefits of citrus-flavored dissolvable tablets, a daily supplement, a topical cream, or all of the above, don’t skip vitamin C. Research shows that its antioxidant properties help protect against free radical damage from the sun – and who doesn’t crave an ice-cold, lemony drink when the sun is shining?

Once your outdoor essentials kit is complete, you can sit back and enjoy the fresh air without any side effects. OUT!^® Deep forests^®FamilyCare or Clean Feel, your SPF and your thermos, because summer in the open air has officially started again.

*The U.S. Government, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Environmental Protection Agency do not endorse or recommend any commercial product, manufacturer, company, trademark, or brand.